Temporal evolution of electron cloud in a cylindrical Penning trap at room temperature

The temporal evolution of the electron cloud at room temperature has been recorded through a resonance circuit by observing the axial oscillation frequency of its center of mass. The electron cloud undergoes radial expansion by interacting with the residual gas molecules, and it is finally lost upon hitting the Penning trap electrodes. It has been confirmed through detailed experimental investigations that the unique temporal pattern of frequency variation is a consequence of the cloud's radial expansion. Consequently, this approach offers a non-destructive means for single-shot detection, enabling continuous monitoring of the electron cloud's radial expansion during the confinement time. This technique offers a significant advantage over its destructive alternatives.

Seasonal variability in size-resolved hygroscopicity of sub-micron aerosols over the Western Ghats, India: Closure and parameterization

Hygroscopicity of atmospheric aerosol primarily depends on the size and chemical composition of the particle and is important for estimating anthropogenic aerosol radiative forcing. There is limited information exists over the Indian region on size segregated aerosol hygroscopicity (κ) in different seasons. This study presents 'κ' as derived from a Humidified Tandem Differential Mobility Analyzer (HTDMA) over a High Altitude Cloud Physics Laboratory (HACPL) in the Western Ghats, India for more than a year (from May 2019 to May 2020). The average hygroscopicity values of aerosol particles of diameters 32, 50, 75, 110, 150, 210 and 260 nm at 90 % RH condition are 0.19, 0.18, 0.16, 0.17, 0.18, 0.20, 0.21 respectively during the entire observation period. κ was observed to decrease with an increase in size in the Aitken mode regime (32-75 nm) and an increase in the accumulation mode (110-260 nm). Seasonal variation of hygroscopicity for a wide range of particle diameters is reported which is highly demanding as there is a change in the air mass flow pattern in each of the seasons. The diurnal cycle of hygroscopicity showed a prominent peak during the midnight to early morning hours followed by a decrease in the forenoon hours and a secondary peak in the afternoon hours. κ is found to be higher in pre-monsoon compared to winter season as Chl is approximately 3 % higher in pre-monsoon and NH₄Cl is highly hygroscopic among the assumed chemical composition. Hygroscopicity derived through chemical speciation observations assuming internal and external mixing of aerosols i.e. κ_inter and κ_exter are overestimating as compared to κ_HTDMA. However, the bias between k_exter and k_HTDMA is relatively lower as external mixing type of aerosol is evident through the growth factor data sets measured by HTDMA. Utilizing the hygroscopicity measurements available for discrete diameters by HTDMA, a parameterization of hygroscopicity with the dry diameter of sub-micron particles is developed.

1017 Early Mobilisation After Stable Distal Radius Fracture – an Audit of BOAST Guideline Adherence

Aim

Distal radius (DR) fractures are among the commonest fractures seen by orthopaedics. The management of these fractures is dependent on the stability of the fracture, and conservative management is usually favoured for stable fractures. Mobilisation of the wrist following this stable fracture is necessary to avoid the risks of wrist stiffness, complex regional pain syndrome and limitation of function. According to BOAST guidelines for management of DR fractures: patients with a stable fracture should be considered for early mobilisation with a removable support once pain allows. The aim of this study was to determine our unit's adherence to guidelines and review the period of immobilisation of stable DR fractures.

Method

Retrospective analysis of virtual fracture clinic referrals, ED and clinic notes, imaging and any further correspondence of patients referred to our orthopaedic team between 1/2/20–30/7/20 with isolated DR fracture.

Results

Of 163 patients referred with DR fracture, 49.7% were deemed to have a stable fracture. Of these patients, only 37% were mobilised early, with the remainder fully immobilised for 6 weeks without active mobilisation protocol.

Conclusions

A large proportion of patients with stable fractures are not being managed in accordance with BOAST guidelines, therefore a standardised intervention is needed to ensure patients regain maximum possible function. We propose that a new protocol is put in place to screen all DR fractures within our virtual fracture clinic into stable v. unstable pattern and if deemed stable to ensure patient is seen for early physiotherapy face to face or virtually.

The musculoskeletal manifestations of haemophilia: a review of the imaging findings

Haemophilia is a common hereditary cause of bleeding diathesis and the musculoskeletal system is frequently affected. Repeated episodes of haemarthrosis initiate a cascade towards haemophilic arthropathy, a disabling and deforming joint disease with both degenerative and inflammatory features, which include articular cartilage loss, bone erosions, and synovitis. Haemophilic pseudotumour and intra-muscular haematoma make up the remainder of the musculoskeletal manifestations of this systemic condition. Radiological assessment is vital in the assessment and follow-up of these haemophilic complications and MRI is the reference standard. This article summarises the radiological findings relevant to the diagnosis and monitoring of this complex patient group.

Search for Subsolar-Mass Binaries in the First Half of Advanced LIGO's and Advanced Virgo's Third Observing Run

We report on a search for compact binary coalescences where at least one binary component has a mass between 0.2  M_{⊙} and 1.0  M_{⊙} in Advanced LIGO and Advanced Virgo data collected between 1 April 2019 1500 UTC and 1 October 2019 1500 UTC. We extend our previous analyses in two main ways: we include data from the Virgo detector and we allow for more unequal mass systems, with mass ratio q≥0.1. We do not report any gravitational-wave candidates. The most significant trigger has a false alarm rate of 0.14  yr^{-1}. This implies an upper limit on the merger rate of subsolar binaries in the range [220-24200]  Gpc^{-3} yr^{-1}, depending on the chirp mass of the binary. We use this upper limit to derive astrophysical constraints on two phenomenological models that could produce subsolar-mass compact objects. One is an isotropic distribution of equal-mass primordial black holes. Using this model, we find that the fraction of dark matter in primordial black holes in the mass range 0.2  M_{⊙}<m_{PBH}<1.0  M_{⊙} is f_{PBH}≡Ω_{PBH}/Ω_{DM}≲6%. This improves existing constraints on primordial black hole abundance by a factor of ∼3. The other is a dissipative dark matter model, in which fermionic dark matter can collapse and form black holes. The upper limit on the fraction of dark matter black holes depends on the minimum mass of the black holes that can be formed: the most constraining result is obtained at M_{min}=1  M_{⊙}, where f_{DBH}≡Ω_{DBH}/Ω_{DM}≲0.003%. These are the first constraints placed on dissipative dark models by subsolar-mass analyses.

HPV Vaccine Intent among Adult Women Receiving Care at Community Health Centers

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a disease that exacts substantial costs in human life and public health expenditures. Fortunately, a vaccine exists that can mitigate these costs. This study reports the development and evaluation of the intervention designed to overcome these barriers by using culturally grounded narratives to promote HPV vaccination. Women's Stories (WS) targets women over the age of 18 and was originally successfully validated for use among college students resulting in NCI recognition. WS was adapted for touch pad delivery in Planned Parenthood clinics where a randomized clinical trial was conducted in 8 clinics in 3 cities. Two hundred seventeen women were randomly assigned to treatment and control, completing pretest and posttest surveys. This study examined data from the immediate posttest. An intent to treat analysis was conducted using a generalized linear mixed modeling approach using a multinomial link and accounting for repeated measures by site. Results demonstrate significant short-term effects on vaccine intentions and vaccine self-efficacy. When compared to control group participants, women in the treatment condition more likely to intend to get the shot today/the day of interview (p < 0.01), as well as in 1 (p < 0.01) and 6 (p < 0.01) months and had greater self-efficacy to receive the HPV vaccination (B = 0.54; p = 0.0002). These results are promising for the potential impact of the intervention in clinical settings as well as providing a model for overcoming lack of awareness and vaccine resistance in other segments of the population.

Protective effects of L-arginine on cognitive deficits and biochemical parameters in an experimental model of type-2 diabetes mellitus induced Alzheimer's disease in rats

Alzheimer's disease (AD) has been closely linked to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and insulin resistance plays a key role in the onset and development of AD. It has also been reported that NO donors play an important role in diabetes and have neuroprotective activity. The present study evaluated the effects NOS substrate, L-arginine and NOS-blocker, NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) on cognitive functions, brain amyloid β levels and other associated biochemical markers in diabetes (T2DM)-induced AD in rats. T2DM was induced by a combination of high fat diet (HFD) and streptozotocin (STZ) (35 mg/kg, i.p.). Pretreatment with L-arginine (100 mg/kg/day) improved diabetes related biochemical parameters viz. plasma glucose, triglycerides and cholesterol. In addition, L-arginine also improved insulin levels and glucose tolerance. On the other hand, NO synthase inhibitor, L-NAME (10 mg/kg), did not have much influence on these parameters. Further, L-arginine treatment showed ameliorative effects on cognitive deficits seen in the Morris water maze (MWM) test when compared to the vehicle (saline) treated group and similar results were observed in the passive avoidance test. These neurobehavioural changes were associated with predictable modulations in Aβ levels in hippocampus and cortex in HFD + STZ + saline group, which were attenuated in the L-arginine, but not in the L-NAME-treated group. Our results indicate that L-arginine could be a considered a potential therapeutic strategy to attenuate the diabetes induced cognitive deficits in AD.

Design of a helical resonator with improved figure of merit

A helical resonator serves as a key element for the detection of the trapped charged particles in a Penning trap. In order to compare the performance of the helical resonators, the concept of figure of merit (FOM) was introduced by Ulmer et al. [Nucl. Instrum. Methods Phys. Res., Sect. A 705, 55-60 (2013)]. In this work, we optimized the geometrical parameters of a resonator by numerical simulations keeping its outer dimensions and the diameter of the copper wire fixed and obtained the best possible value of FOM under these constraints. The corresponding 95 MHz helical resonator has been designed and fabricated, and its measured value of FOM is in good agreement with the simulated values. An empirical relationship between the total length of the wire to make the helical coil and the resonance frequency has been obtained. The simulations show that the FOM increases considerably with the increase in the conductivity of the building material, and this would be useful in detecting the feeble trap signal in cryogenic environment.

Evaluating cone-beam CT in the diagnosis of suspected scaphoid fractures in the emergency department: preliminary findings

OBJECTIVES

Scaphoid fractures are challenging to accurately diagnose with delayed and missed diagnoses risking poor patient outcomes. Cone beam CT (CBCT) is an emerging technology facilitating alternative access to multi-planar imaging. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of early CBCT in the diagnosis of suspected scaphoid fractures presenting via the Emergency Department (ED).

METHODS

In this single centre the imaging pathway was adapted to include early CBCT in adult patients with a persisting high index of clinical suspicion for scaphoid fracture despite normal radiographs. Evaluation of referrals between September 2019 and February 2020 was undertaken. Statistical analysis and temporal pathway metrics were assessed including interrater agreement for CBCT and radiography examinations.

RESULTS

Over the six-month timeframe 100 CBCT wrist scans were performed on 99 adult patients. 94% of CBCT scans were performed within 1 day of referral. 25% of scans demonstrated acute injuries including 12 radius, 6 trapezium and 2 scaphoid fractures. For fracture, CBCT had a sensitivity of 96.2% and specificity of 100%. There was a highly significant difference in interobserver variation between fracture detection on CBCT and radiographs.

CONCLUSION

CBCT heralds the potential for early accurate diagnosis of radiocarpal fractures, at lower cost, shortening clinical pathways and reducing clinical risk in the ED.

Partnering for rotavirus vaccine introduction in India: A retrospective analysis

BACKGROUND

The pre-existing partner network created in India for the delivery of polio vaccines was initially used to eradicate polio and later on embedded in the health systems network to promote routine immunization and other health interventions efficiently. The experience from this network offered lessons for strengthening the health care systems and provided a well-established network that could be utilized for other vaccine initiatives. It has also been established that successful partnerships between a broad range of stakeholders provide support, strengthen the health system, and accelerate vaccine innovation, introduction, access, logistics, and communication support. However, beyond polio eradication, there have not been too many documented success stories of vaccine introduction, which could be replicated in other new vaccine introductions and allied health initiatives. The authors have reviewed the successful and time-bound introduction of rotavirus vaccine (RVV) in India in the present article.

METHODS

The review was conducted based on a partnership framework which analysed multiple factors-partnership prerequisites, partnership model, partnership process, and partnership performance, thereby providing a comprehensive insight into the successful utilization of partnership networks for rotavirus vaccine introduction under the Universal Immunization Program in India.

RESULTS & CONCLUSION

The review also highlights the role of a lead agency in creating a fertile ground for lush, efficient, and effective partnerships amongst different stakeholders. The already existing RVV partnership framework reviewed by the authors can be successfully utilized for future new vaccine introductions.

Unusual Brain MRI Pattern in 2 Patients with COVID-19 Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

We report the cases of 2 patients hospitalized in our intensive care unit with confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 infection in whom brain MR imaging showed an unusual DWI pattern with nodular and ring-shaped lesions involving the periventricular and deep white matter. We discuss the possible reasons for these findings and their relationship to the infection.

Fabrication of non-magnetic multi-pin coaxial vacuum feedthrough system for cryogenic applications

We have developed and tested a compact non-magnetic feedthrough made of epoxy resin and capable of maintaining vacuum leak tightness over a wide temperature range (300 K-4 K). It is equipped with 15 electrical pins and three 50 Ω coaxial lines. The feedthrough has been designed to apply a high voltage (up to 5 kV) and transmit radio-frequency signals for operating a Penning trap over a wide temperature range (300 K-4 K). The characteristic impedances of the coaxial lines have been measured at 300 K and 77 K and found to remain ∼50 Ω over the frequency range of our interest (10 MHz-80 MHz). The details of its fabrication and performance over a wide temperature range have been discussed.

On the Spectacle of Walking

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, in the face of the 21-day nation-wide lockdown imposed in India since 22 March 2020, the migrant worker has become the focal point of public discourse. With public transports being cancelled and the inter-state borders sealed for public transportation, thousands of migrant workers -- particularly, from the national capital, New Delhi -- are literally walking hundreds of miles to travel to their homes. This article is a brief response to the optics of imagery: how the walk of the migrant workers is visibilized with reference to the so-called mobility regime. It discusses how the images of migrant workers walking have generated powerful affect that pierces the spectatorial passivity of the ‘distant’ viewers including the elite travelers and the academics.

Determination of Nitrate in Forages by Using Selective Ion Electrode: Collaborative Study

Each of 10 collaborating laboratories analyzed 4 blind duplicate pairs of forage samples for nitrate, by using a potentiometric method. Two forage controls and a 100 000 mg KNO3/L standard were also provided. Nitrate was extracted into an aqueous Al2(SO4)3 solution containing 70 mg KNO3/L and quantitated with a nitrate-selective electrode. Standards were prepared using extracting solution as diluent. Nitrate concentrations in forage samples ranged from &lt;0.50 to 4.35% KNO3. Repeatability coefficients of variation (CV0) ranged from 1.74 to 3.61%, and reproducibility coefficients of variation (CV1) ranged from 6.92 to 7.66%. Mean recovery of a 0.55% KNO3 spike was 94.5%. The method has been adopted official first action.

Intra-Arterial Verapamil Treatment in Oral Therapy-Refractory Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome

Reversible vasoconstriction syndrome is a complex of clinical symptoms and angiographic findings, which, while having a mostly benign clinical course, has clinical and imaging overlap with more serious disorders such as vasculitis and aneurysmal SAH and itself includes a minority of patients with fulminant vasoconstriction resulting in severe intracranial complications. Endovascular options for patients with refractory reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome include intra-arterial vasodilator infusion similar to therapy for patients with vasospasm after SAH. To date, only case reports and 1 small series have discussed the utility of intra-arterial vasodilators for the treatment of reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome. We report an additional series of 11 medically refractory cases of presumed or proved reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome successfully treated with intra-arterial verapamil infusion. Furthermore, we propose that the reversal of vasoconstriction, as seen on angiography, could fulfill a diagnostic criterion.